L.E. COOKE CO Excellence in BarerootSince 1944 From the nurseries of

Velvet Touch™ Russian OliveElaeagnus angustifolia “Cooke’s”

A small deciduous tree proving to be very durable in tough climates. Trunk and branches are covered with shredding dark brown bark, contrasting with willow-like 2” long silvery gray leaves. Velvet Touch™ is a special selection found to have far fewer thorns and larger, longer velvety leaves.

Russian Olives normally p r o d u c e s m a l l g r e e n , berrylike fruit in summer which resembles miniature olives. In some regions these seeds create an invasive concern. Velvet Touch™ so far appears to not set fruit, but more time for further observation is needed to verify this.

Mature height is 25 feet with a spread of 25 feet.

Cold hardy to U.S.D.A. Zone 2.

More information on pages 2-4

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

This is NOT Velvet Touch, it is the regular Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). The problem with it are the

thorns. Nearly every leaflet is a thorn and, although young and soft in this photo, they turn hard and nasty. Might have value if you don’t like your neighbor kids in your

yard but otherwise unappealing. They even puncture thick tractor tires!

Thorns

Velvet Touch™ Russian Olive does have thorns. At first we thought it was thornless, but if you look carefully you will find some. Generally, they are softer and thinner, more flexible. Much kinder to work with.

Regular Russian Olive is on the left, Velvet Touch™ Russian Olive is on the right. Left sample has small leaves and thorns. Right sample large velvety leaves.

More samples showing regular Russian Olive on the left and Velvet Touch™ Russian Olive on the right.

High resolution photos can be seen on internet at www.CreatorsPalette.com